Division Soldiers come together for exercise, camaraderie

By Staff Sgt. Wallace BonnerDecember 10, 2012

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1 / 3 Show Caption + Hide Caption – (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL
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Merry music
3 / 3 Show Caption + Hide Caption – COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. " The 4th Infantry Division band plays holiday music for Soldiers as they participate in the quarterly division run, Dec. 7, 2012. The run serves as an opportunity to increase Soldier morale and unit cohesion, and includes un... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

FORT CARSON, Colo. -- Cadence filled the air as individual units vied to be the loudest in the formation during the division's quarterly run on Fort Carson, Dec. 7.

Brigadier General Darsie Rogers, deputy commanding general for support, 4th Infantry Division and Fort Carson, and Command Sgt. Maj. Brian Stall, 4th Inf. Div. and Fort Carson, led units from across post in a 4 mile, 45-minute run to boost morale and unit cohesion.

"It builds esprit de corps in the division, and allows commanders to make a good assessment of where their units stand," said Stall.

Along with the several thousand Soldiers participating in the run, 4th Infantry Division band members at the beginning and end of the run route played Christmas music to add a holiday feel.

Having the band playing Christmas music during the run makes for a wonderful atmosphere, said Spc. Amber Wadsworth, orderly room clerk, Company A, Headquarters and Headquarters Battalion, 4th Inf. Div.

The quarterly division runs occur during pay day activities, which take place on the first Friday of the month; a tradition dating back to when Soldiers received paper paychecks, and would work a half-day before being dismissed to pay bills and handle other personal matters during regular business hours.

Rogers and Stall greeted Soldiers as they completed the run, and the Soldiers dispersed back to their units to prepare for uniform inspection and to participate in unit-driven training prior to being released.